Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has hit back at comments made by Kevin Pietersen about Nathan Lyon during the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.
Pietersen was critical of Lyon's bowling on Twitter and urged England 's batters to try and attack him.
He wrote: "Can SOMEONE please smack Lyon?!?!! FFS! Off spinner with zero variations and bowling on world crickets flattest road!!!! #Ashes "
At the time of his tweet, Lyon had been bowling economically but was yet to pick up a wicket.
However, he had been able to find some turn with the pink ball and went on to take three scalps as England were bowled out for 236.
After Dawid Malan and Joe Root's impressive 138-run partnership came to an end in the second session, Lyon came to the fore.
First, he worked over a frenetic Ollie Pope, getting him caught by Marnus Labuschagne for five.
He also claimed the wickets of Chris Woakes, bowled for 24, and Ollie Robinson, LBW for nought.
Ben Stokes was able to get after him and hit a few boundaries, but it was nowhere near enough for England.
And Ponting was quick to take a dig at Pietersen over his comments about Lyon, saying on commentary for Channel 7: "I wonder if Kev is still watching?
"The Goat's got another one. This is off-spin of the highest class."
Much was made of the effect Lyon could have on this game before the start of play on day three, with former England captain Michael Vaughan pinpointing him as "the key" for Australia.
And Lyon certainly delivered for his side, picking up 3-58 from his 28 overs, managing to keep things tight early on before picking up some important wickets.
Speaking on BBC Test Match Special, ex-England bowler Steven Finn said: "It's hard to sum up how important Nathan Lyon's role is and that's what England are really missing.
"He's so consistent in holding up an end for Australia that while the bowlers have spent a lot of time in the field, he gives them a chance for a prolonged rest, so that their legs are fresher for their second and third spells."
